United to Expand ConnectionSaver App to More Airports

This week, United Airlines announced it was making good on its promise to help travelers with tough flight connections by further expanding its ConnectionSaver Tool to even more airports around the country.

Available through the United Airlines smartphone app, ConnectionSaver sends users personalized text messages with directions to the gate for their connecting flight, information about expected travel time between the two gates, nearby amenities, and will even hold the flight for a few minutes for members who need a little extra time.

The ConnectionSaver Tool was introduced at some of United's busiest hubs in Denver (DEN) and Chicago (ORD) in February, with plans to incorporate it into several other airports this year. For now, that list includes Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, which will be added this week.

United plans to roll out the ConnectionSaver app to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on Aug. 6 and Virginia's Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Aug. 13.

In June, United said that in its first four months of service, ConnectionSaver allowed 14,400 customers to make flights they otherwise would have missed. Flights held for them were only delayed an average of six minutes.

"Following the busy summer period, we’ll share details about our plans to expand the tool to all United line stations," according to an internal United communication to employees.